Head of Information Technology

Kaizen Talent Solutions; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaizen Talent Solutions is seeking a Head of Information Technology to lead a fast-growing, PE-backed UK group. You will own IT strategy, multi-site infrastructure, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance, balancing strategic roadmaps with hands-on leadership.

You will guide a lean internal team and act as the IT face to the business. Reporting to executive leadership, you will translate technical priorities into clear business outcomes while managing budgets, contracts, and vendor

Qualifications

• Proven leadership track record managing multi-site IT operations in a regulated environment.
• Strong technical grounding across Microsoft ecosystems (M365, Azure, AD/Entra ID, Windows Server, networking).
• Direct experience transitioning organisations away from heavy third‑party MSP reliance.
• Commercial acumen with vendor management and knowledge of ITIL service management.
• Exceptional communication skills with a hands‑on ownership mindset and a full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Operating Model: Transition to an internal IT team; design a roadmap covering cloud adoption, infra modernisation, and system integration.
• Operations & Change Control: Manage multi-site infrastructure, networks, and end-user computing; enforce change management and high availability.
• Compliance & Data Integrity: Support ISO 17025, GxP, data integrity; oversee Computer System Validation and audit readiness.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement: Be present across sites, communicate priorities, manage vendor contracts and budgets, mentor IT staff.

Skills

Leadership

Vendor management

Communication skills

ITIL service management

Driving licence

Tools

M365

Azure

Active Directory/Entra ID

Windows Server

Networking

Job description

Step in as the definitive IT leader for a fast-growing, PE-backed UK group providing mission-critical technical assurance. Following a consolidation phase, we are moving away from outsourced MSP dependency to build a self-sufficient, high-performing internal IT function.

Reporting to executive leadership, as Head of Information Technology you will own the IT strategy, multi-site infrastructure, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. Balancing high-level roadmap delivery with hands-on operational leadership, you will act as the visible face of IT—translating technical priorities into clear business outcomes and leading a lean internal team.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & Operating Model: Complete the transition to an internal IT team; design and execute a pragmatic roadmap covering cloud adoption (M365/Azure), infrastructure modernisation, and system integration (ERP/LIMS).
• Operations & Change Control: Oversee multi-site infrastructure, networks, and end-user computing; enforce disciplined change management, high availability, and proactive incident resolution.
• Compliance & Data Integrity: Ensure IT systems support strict quality and regulatory standards (such as ISO 17025, GxP, and data integrity principles), overseeing Computer System Validation and audit readiness.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement: Be visibly present across sites, communicating technical priorities clearly to colleagues at all levels; manage vendor contracts, budgets, and mentor our Group IT Support Engineer.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven leadership track record managing multi-site IT operations in a regulated environment (scientific, manufacturing, or quality-driven).
• Strong technical grounding across Microsoft ecosystems (M365, Azure, Active Directory/Entra ID, Windows Server, and networking).
• Direct experience transitioning organisations away from heavy third-party MSP reliance.
• Commercial acumen, strong vendor management, and working knowledge of ITIL service management.
• Exceptional communication skills, sound judgement, a hands-on ownership mindset, and a full UK driving licence.

Security & Vetting

Due to the sensitive nature of operations, applicants must be permanently resident in the UK for at least the past 5 years and hold or be able to pass enhanced background screening (BPSS/DBS and UK security vetting such as NPPV/SC clearance).